My first coop! Total cost: $0.00

[Whittni]

Yeah, looks like a neat idea for a modern styled coop

 

[DaddyMcChicken]

I have the same concern as you do SF but what Im goin to do is barely have the main water valve opened, so that if something were to fail it wont be as horrible as it would be with the spigot opened all the way. I dont need the reservoir tank to fill that quickly anyway. The chickens wont be able to drink the water faster than the tank can refill. Just need a little trickle to fill the tank when it drops below the set level. The tank will still be half full (or empty

) when it starts to refill again. Not fullproof but it does ease my mind a little.

 

[DaddyMcChicken]

I had the same concern as you SF but what Im goin to do is barely have the main water valve opened, so that if something were to fail it wont be as horrible as it would be with the spigot opened all the way. I dont need the reservoir tank to fill that quickly anyway. The chickens wont be able to drink the water faster than the tank can refill. Just need a little trickle to fill the tank when it drops below the set level. The tank will still be half full (or empty

) when it starts to refill again. Not fullproof but it does ease my mind a little.

 

[popsicle]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I am definitely goin to use ECBW's idea about the roost. The gap at the bottom is to hose out the coop and it lets everything out. A racoon wont be able to pull that board off because its screwed in with 3 1/2 inch torque screws. I am goin to add another barrel latch to the door and there is nowhere for a racoon to stand or climb to reach those latches. My nest box and automatic door will be addded soon. The nest box is goin to be on the right side mounted outside of the coop. I'm not using gear oil on the inside of the coop but I do have plans on sealing it with a safe product. I should have stated that the coop is still under construction but thanks again for all the suggestions and comments, its greatly appreciated.

Ok thanks Junebuggena. Yea ya never know when that raccoon will bring his step ladder with him when he goes coop raiding.

Do you even know what a raccoon is?

Here's one strong enough to open a garage door:

I bet I can find a video of a raccoon using a step ladder, (or a hog?

)

Also, snakes. You got some Rat Snakes around there? They'll be stealing your eggs through your fancy hose gap.

While I do think that your birds are probably going to be fine, you should acknowledge and accept the risk instead of laughing off and underestimating your foes.

 

[DaddyMcChicken]

Do you even know what a raccoon is?

Here's one strong enough to open a garage door:

I bet I can find a video of a raccoon using a step ladder, (or a hog?

)

Also, snakes.  You got some Rat Snakes around there?  They'll be stealing your eggs through your fancy hose gap.

While I do think that your birds are probably going to be fine, you should acknowledge and accept the risk instead of laughing off and underestimating your foes.

Popsicle do you know what a ladder is? I was simply joking with junebug but I do know exactly what a racoon is and I also know what coons are capable of. My "fancy hose gap" has been covered with hardware cloth and another latch has been added for extra security. I've taken every bit of advice I've recieved on this forum so far and addressed most of the things that could cause my flock harm. I dont know what Im going to do though if a wild pig gets into my backyard and lets a raccoon climb on its back to get into the coop.

I'm even more concerned that the pig will fly and come crashing through the corrugated roofing material and wipe out my entire flock. Thanks though for those videos and your reply.

 

[junebuggena]

Popsicle do you know what a ladder is? I was simply joking with junebug but I do know exactly what a racoon is and I also know what coons are capable of. My "fancy hose gap" has been covered with hardware cloth and another latch has been added for extra security. I've taken every bit of advice I've recieved on this forum so far and addressed most of the things that could cause my flock harm. I dont know what Im going to do though if a wild pig gets into my backyard and lets a raccoon climb on its back to get into the coop.

I'm even more concerned that the pig will fly and come crashing through the corrugated roofing material and wipe out my entire flock. Thanks though for those videos and your reply.

Seriously though, change out the barrel latches. They are just too simple. You need something that can be secured with a carabiner clip or lock. I think you may be seriously underestimating what a hungry raccoon is capable of.

 

[Leigti]

A raccoon can't figure out a carabiner? I would think if they could figure out these other things they can figure out a carabiner. I'm trying to figure out what kind of latch I need on mine.

 

[junebuggena]

It requires them to use two hands to undo. Far more complicated than a 'lift this up' latch or 'slide it over' type. It's a pinch in one side and maneuver it up and out without letting go of the pinched in side. You can also use a simple padlock or combination lock.

 

[DaddyMcChicken]

Leigti, I used two barrel locks and I think it would be almost impossible for any coon to unlatch them both. Not only would they have to unlatch the barrel latches but the coon would have to pull the door open at a hieght of 37". But June and popsicle say that a coon could do it so I dont know.

 

[junebuggena]

Coons can easily reach over 3 feet, just standing on their hind legs. It requires no effort at all. And they can climb just about any surface. It is not impossible for a coon to get into your coop. And it is naive of you to laugh off the concerns. What a raccoon will do to your flock when it gets in, is not going to be pretty. They rip and tear birds apart, and the chickens do not try to get away in the dark.